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It was half the blueprint put forward by assistant boss Mark Bowen before the game: following the example they had set at Watford: “We’ve got the capability to score goals so we need to keep it tight, concentrate on team shape and set plays.”

Zouma admitted they needed to be more compact if they want to add to a clean sheet tally that currently only stands on two for the season. Only Everton (one) have kept fewer in the Premier League so far – except Palace, who, without tempting fate, are yet to get one at all.

Martins Indi, who is hoping for a recall for the first time is six weeks, added: “Normally if you score two times away you get the win but at the moment, not. Hopefully next time.”